Let us look at Mother Earth. Do we treat her like a mother? Do we respect and love her? Do we make sure that our air is nontoxic? Do we make sure our waters are not poisoned? My list can go on. Continue reading
The first English poet was Cædmon, an illiterate herdsman. The story goes that Cædmon, who was employed by the monastery of Whitby, invariably ran away when it was his turn to sing during a merry feast. He was ashamed that he never had any songs to sing. Continue reading
Payasam is a dessert made from milk, sugar or jaggery and vermicelli (Sevika) or other grains. It is also flavored with dried fruit, nuts, cardamom and saffron. It is frequently mentioned in the Ramayana and it is considered a divine offering. Today is made during occasions like pujas, festivals, birthday, births and anniversaries. Continue reading
He is before us and when we utter an exclamation, we say his name, ‘Hai Rama. Hai Rama’ means ‘Oh Rama,’ ‘Oh God. ‘or ‘Goodness Gracious.’ It is typically used to express surprise, shock, distress or exasperation. While Rama refers to the deity, ‘Hai Rama‘ acts as a sigh or exclamation of divine appeal in everyday conversation, similar to saying, ‘Oh, my God.’ Continue reading
Panchmukhi Gayatri is depicted with five faces, each symbolizing a dimension of divine consciousness, the five elements, the five pranas, and the Gayatri mantra’s spiritual layers. The faces are in five different colors. The Gayatri Dhyana Shloka describes the colors as Pearl (white), Coral (red or orange), Gold (yellow or golden), Blue (sapphire), Dhavala (white, luminous). Continue reading
Dear ones, pray for the grace of the Divine Mother.
The cosmic Shakti manifests in the human body as Kundalini and Prana. Kundalini is the static support for the moving pranic forces. Kundalini is the primordial energy that lies in mooladhara chakra in a dormant, potential state. Continue reading
Sri Aurobindo said that true free will belongs only to the Divine. Human will be a limited ego-driven instrument. If we can align individual will with the universal Divine will, we can rise above ego-driven nature and gain genuine freedom. Continue reading
What does Shiva represent?
Shiva represents inner strength, detachment and cosmic consciousness.
The core teachings of Shiva Sutra encourage living with wonder and removing fear through actions and realizing the divinity within oneself. Continue reading
Arjuna asked Sri Krishna how many categories of mortals were there?
Sri Krishna replied there are two categories of people in the world, divine and demonical. The divine have been described at length; hear from Me about the demonical. (16:6) Continue reading
The greatest error of a man is to think that he is weak by nature, evil by nature. Every man is divine and strong in his real nature. What are weak and evil are his habits, his desires and thoughts but not himself. Thus spoke Ramanna Maharishi. Continue reading
Dear ones, what do I wish for all the wonderful women in the World. I beg the Goddess to protect us all with her Armor, which is called Devi Kavacham. It is a powerful 47 verse hymn from the Markandeya Puran that acts as a divine, protective shield invoking the various forms of Ma Parvati to guard every part of the devotee’s body. It protects against negative energy, evil spirits, and dangers while fostering spiritual strength. Continue reading
In the Gita, thank you is expressed through gratitude, surrender and service.
Devotional offerings: Offering simple things—a leaf, fruit, flower or water—with love constitutes thanks. – Bhagwad Gita 9.26
Surrender (Sharan Gati): Recognize all blessings come from the Divine and returning to Him is the highest form of appreciation. – Bhagwad Gita 18.62
Recognizing the Divine Spark: Seeing God in all beautiful settings. – Bhagwad Gita 10.41
Prayer, Fasting and Almsgiving are the three pillars of Lent and it is a time for reflection, repentance and reconciliation.
Let us examine each of these words. Continue reading
Valentine’s day is coming. There are advertisements everywhere asking one to buy gifts, flowers, and sweets for one’s loved ones. It is so compelling and sweet deals are offered. We all want and wish to send Valentines. Continue reading
In Tantra, Padukapanchaka means the “Fivefold footstool of the Guru”. It is a hymn praising the key centers in the body, particularly within the Sahasrara (Crown chakra). It represents the divine seat of consciousness where Kundalini energy culminates leading to liberation and realization through visualization the Guru’s feet resting on the mystical throne. It is central to Kundalini and Laya Yoga, describing the ascent of consciousness through stages like the twelve petalled lotus, sacred triangles, Nada-Bindu, and Mani-Pitha culminating in union with the Divine. Continue reading